The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1887-04-27
A BUSY LIFE ENDED.
Alexander Mitchell, the Milwaukee
Millionaire, Expires in New
York Hotel.
Bronchial Troubles and Heart Disease
Cause His Death, Which Is
Rather Sudden.
New York special.

Alexander Mitchell, President OF the
Chicago, Milwaukee a. st. Paul Railroad,
died at his rooms in the Hoffman House,
In this city, on Tuesday afternoon. He
had been been gradually losing strength
for two months, but the illness which re-
suited in his death began only week ago.
Mr.. Mitchell some months ago deter
mined to withdraw from active business
pursuits, and Dec. last, accompanied by
Rev. DIR. Kean, his old pastor, he started
from Milwaukee in his private car for
a trip to his winter home, in Florida,
whittier Mrs. Mitchell had gone some time
before. At his magnificent place, "Villa
Alexandria" just at the head of the st.
Johns River, he devoted himself to the
pleasures of winter resort spending
much time out of doors and getting far
more exercise than he had ever had before.
Yet, although he seemed 10 be in the best
of spirits, he steadily lost flesh. He had
always been one of the most methodical of
men, and the change told on him.
Three weeks ago Mr.. Mitchell and DIR.
Kean left Florida, reaching this city April
2, and going Immediately to the Hoffman
House. Two days later Mr.. Mitchell COM
planned of feeling unwell and developed
feverish symptoms, but he soon recovered
and was able to go down town, although
the feverish condition returned at intervals.
His son, John l.. Mitchell, had Joined him
in the meantime, and with his son and a
party of friends Mr.. Mitchell
heard Patti sing at the Metro
politan Opera House last Wednes-
day night. Sitting in the front of the box
he was probably exposed to draft, for be-
fore the last act he complained of illness
and left the opera house. So weak was he
when his carriage reached the hotel that he
haH 10 ha 10 ffar hat
he never left his bed. DR.. Edward Brad
ley, his physician, found that he was suffer-
ing from malarial trouble and bronchial
pneumonia, from which he failed to rally.
He sunk into q state of coma Monday
evening and never recovered conscious
ness. Death resulted from asphyxia, caused
by bronchial pneumonia.
Alexander Mitchell was born Oct. IS, 1877 in
the parish Of Elton, AberdeeDshre, Scotland.
His father was a farmer, and the early days Of
the future hnancier We're passed in the same
ayocation For two years he studied law at
Aberdeen and then went into bank at Peter
head and remained there until he came to
Milwaukee in May, 1899, when in company
with George Smith, of Chicago, he organized the
Wisconsin Marine and Fire Insurance Com
pany, an institution that was in reality n bank.
although not called one on account of the law
then in force. The bills Of this company were
the only reliable paper currency the Territory
had for many years, yet despite the times
every dollar was redeemed when presented
1t is as manager and promoter OF railroads
that the deceased was best known to the world,
he having been for years at the head of the Chi
cago, Milwaukee and ST. Paul Company, u
poration that controls more miles OF road than
any other In the world
Politically Mr.. Mitchell was originally Wing,
then he joined the Republicans in electing
Lincoln and prosecuting the war, afterward
joining with the Democrats in support of Pres-
dent johnson. Since then his party sent him
to Congress i'm $50 and 1872 and Would have
continued him there had he not declined further
office. He was one of the delegates that nomi-
mated Mr.. Tilden, and was one of his most ar
dent supporters. In 1879 the Democrats want
ed him 10 be candidate for Governor, but he
declined.
Mr. Mitchell is survived by a wife, son.
John L.. an adopted daughter, Mrs Dr. Mackie
of this city. and sister and brother living in
Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Mr.. Altchells es-
tate is variously estimated at from s15,000,0Oo
to SIS, 600 900.